Investigation Summary
On March 15, 2016, the Ecuadorian Army conducted a routine skydiving exercise involving paratroopers from the 9th Special Forces ('Patria') Brigade. The aircraft, an Israeli-built IAI Arava 201, departed Río Amazonas military airport at 12:51 local time. Approximately 90 minutes into the mission, the pilot reported deteriorating weather conditions and sought clearance to return to the base. Shortly after this communication, the aircraft disappeared from radar. Search and rescue operations involving Ecuadorian Air Force helicopters and ground teams located the crash site in a remote, high-altitude area. The impact was non-survivable, resulting in the deadliest accident in the history of the IAI Arava airframe and the single most significant loss of life in a single event for the Ecuadorian military.
Final Conclusions
The aircraft crashed into high ground while operating in poor weather conditions. Shortly before contact was lost, the pilot requested permission to return to the airport due to adverse meteorological conditions. The impact resulted in the deaths of all 22 personnel on board, making it the deadliest accident involving the IAI Arava airframe.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
IAI Arava 201
A STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) utility transport aircraft designed for rugged operations in remote areas.
Interesting Facts
- 01The accident is the deadliest involving an IAI Arava aircraft.
- 02All 19 paratroopers on board belonged to the 9th Special Forces ('Patria') Brigade.
- 03The crash site was located near the Fátima peak of Hacienda La Palmira.
- 04The aircraft was carrying two pilots and one mechanic as crew members.